Dear Ian,
At Bosham, you will remember that we were thinking about "What is the inner sangha" whilst reflecting on what taking refuge meant to us. To-day, I found the following Discourse of Buddha's teaching: (Samyukta Agama 639. Taisho Revised Tripitaka 99)
" - .....observe the elements outside the body, ...........nourishing Right and Understanding and mindfulness, to master and transform your cravings and anxieties. That is the way to take refuge in the island of self, to return to yourself in order to take refuge in the Dharma, and not to take refuge in any other island or thing." I enclose the full text which is short.
This discourse is about mourning the passing of two great teachers Shariputra and Maudgalyayana, and searching for great teachings, and the law of impermanence."....Everything we cherish and hold dear to-day , we will have to let go of and be separated from in the future.....Therefore I urge you to practice being an island unto yourself, knowing how to take refuge in yourself, and not taking refuge in anyone or anything else." "The Tathagata is someone who is not searching for anything, whether it is material or the Dharma"
Text attached
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